rap #228

rap #228 11/17/10

FREEHOLDERS REMEMBER THOSE IN NEED THIS THANKSGIVING

AS THE START of the holiday season approaches, the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders asked residents to give generously to those families in need this Thanksgiving.

Freeholder Gerry P. Little asked residents to consider making a donation to one of the more than 30 food banks and food pantries that are helping many local families put a Thanksgiving meal on the table.

"With nearly 10 percent unemployment, we are facing a record number of people who need our help," he said. "What better way to kick off the season of giving than by helping those who have fallen on hard times."

Little asked everyone to think of their neighbors as the colder months approach.

"I want to thank all the schools, churches and faith-based organizations, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and other charities and non-profits that rally together to help the needy each year," Little said.

Many of these same organizations are also holding holiday food drives.

"Please contribute," Little said. "Even a few cans of vegetables can make a big difference for a family in need."

The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department is collecting food at several convenient locations.

"The holidays can be such a difficult time of year for families experiencing economic hardships," Sheriff William L. Polhemus said. "We want to help those members of our community that may be struggling this holiday."

Non-perishable food items can be dropped off thru Monday, November 22 at the Ocean County Justice Complex at 120 Hooper Avenue, the Ocean County Administration Building, 101 Hooper Avenue, the Ocean County One-Stop Center at 1027 Hooper Avenue, Building 2, the Ocean County Clerk's Office at 118 Washington Street and the County Connection located near JC Penney at the Ocean County Mall, all located in Toms River. Food is also being collected at the Ocean County Clerk’s Southern Ocean Complex on Haywood Road in Manahawkin.

Many churches and faith-based organizations are also preparing special Thanksgiving dinners for the needy.

Little also asked everyone to also to remember our troops fighting far away from home this Thanksgiving.

"Please, take a few moments from the turkey dinner and the football games to think of our brave men and women who are away from their families this holiday," Little said. "Remember the sacrifices and hardships they are facing to keep our great nation safe."